health benefits to (moderately) enjoying a creamy Camembert or a
stinky Stilton. Before you wrap up the weekend, here are five
excellent reasons to eat more of the yellow stuff.
1. It's a great source of protein
Thinking of going vegetarian? Cheese is a valuable source of protein
for those looking to change to a meat-free diet, helping you to build
muscle including those in your heart and your stomach.
2. It could lower your dental bill
According to several studies, cheese could work to protect your teeth
from cavities. We all know that cheese is a great source of calcium,
but a study from showed that bacteria from the Lactobacillus rhamnosus
strain, a bacteria found in cheese, can lower the count of
cavity-causing yeast in the mouth. An study also found that cheese
with no sugar added can increase the calcium and phosphate
concentration in dental plaque, which reduces the likelihood of
cavities.
3. It makes you happy
Researchers from the recently revealed that cheese triggers the same
part of the brain as addictive drugs. The study found that cheese is
particularly moreish because it contains casein. The chemical, which
is found in all dairy products, can trigger the brain's opioid
receptors, producing a feeling of euphoria linked to those of hard
drug addiction.
4. It can lower risk of heart disease
Danish scientists analyzed data from fifteen healthy young men who ate
three diets for two weeks. They found that when people gorged on dairy
products but especially cheese their microflora seemed to change. In
their feces, researchers saw some metabolites that they know are
related to the metabolism of the microflora: short-chain fatty acids
like butyrate and propionate both appeared at increased concentrations
of dairy.
They also had lower levels than the control group of TMAO, a
metabolite produced when the body metabolizes choline, which is found
in many animal-derived foods, especially red meat
5. Cheese is full of good bacteria
Researchers from the have found new evidence to vouch for cheese's
health benefits. It turns out that cottage cheeses and soft fermented
cheeses like Gouda, some cheddars, and parmesan are all often packed
with probiotics, similar to Greek yogurt. These cheeses can balance
out your gut flora – which research has shown is essential to
maintaining good digestive health, weight, our immune system and
possibly even mental health.
